Kathy Hochul has announced the start of an $8.2 million infrastructure project to replace the aging Malden Turnpike bridge over the New York State Thruway in Ulster County, marking another step in the state’s broader push to modernize critical transportation assets.
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Located in the Village of Saugerties, the nearly 80-year-old bridge has been closed to traffic to allow construction crews to safely begin work. The route previously carried approximately 2,000 vehicles daily, underscoring its importance as a local connector.
The replacement bridge is designed to meet modern safety and durability standards, with an expected service life of 75 years. Planned improvements include wider travel lanes, added shoulder space, upgraded railings and a smoother riding surface.
A key enhancement is the increase in vertical clearance over the Thruway—from 14 feet two inches to 16 feet six inches—which will help reduce the risk of bridge strikes by taller vehicles.
“New York’s economy is powered by our transportation network, which is why we continue to make smart investments to upgrade and modernize our infrastructure,” Governor Hochul said. “When our roads and bridges are upgraded, we improve the driving experience for daily commuters and the commercial vehicles that New York relies on to move goods and services throughout our state and across the nation.”
New York State Thruway Authority Executive Director Frank G. Hoare emphasized the broader impact of such upgrades.
“The Thruway Authority is investing in replacing and rehabilitating aging infrastructure, enhancing the safety and reliability of vital connectors in local communities that thousands of motorists use every day. These investments maintain the Thruway as one of the safest and most affordable superhighways in the nation.”
Construction began after extensive coordination with local stakeholders, including emergency responders, schools and municipal officials. A signed seven-mile detour route is now in place, guiding drivers through alternate state and local roads.
State and local leaders highlighted the long-term value of the project for regional mobility and safety.
“Replacing the nearly 80-year-old Malden Turnpike Bridge over I-87 is a critical investment that will give our residents a safer ride and strengthen the long-term resilience of our local infrastructure. I thank Governor Hochul and the Thruway Authority for their continued partnership in prioritizing the modernization of our local roads and bridges here in Ulster County,” said Michelle Hinchey.
Ulster County Executive Jen Metzger added, “We thank Governor Hochul and the NYS Thruway Authority for making this major investment to replace the Malden Turnpike Bridge and improve safety and reliability of this important connector to Saugerties and the Catskill region of Ulster County. I also want to thank our local officials, emergency services, and community members for their cooperation throughout the construction period. Projects like this strengthen our infrastructure and ensure that Ulster County remains safe, accessible, and prepared for the future.”
The project is being carried out by A. Colarusso & Son Inc. following a competitive bidding process. Work is expected to continue through fall 2026, with potential weather-related adjustments.
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The bridge replacement is part of a much larger capital investment strategy. The Thruway Authority’s 2026 budget includes more than $600 million in planned capital contracts and a five-year, $2.8 billion capital plan aimed at rehabilitating or replacing a significant portion of the system’s bridges and highways.
Officials say these investments are essential to maintaining the reliability of one of the nation’s oldest and longest toll road systems, which plays a critical role in regional commerce and interstate travel.
In addition to construction improvements, safety initiatives such as automated work zone speed enforcement continue to be expanded to protect workers and motorists. Drivers are advised to follow posted speed limits, as penalties for violations in work zones are significantly increased.
While the temporary closure of the Malden Turnpike bridge may cause short-term inconvenience, officials stress that the long-term benefits—including improved safety, increased capacity and enhanced resilience—will significantly outweigh the disruptions.
The project reflects a broader trend of infrastructure reinvestment across New York, aimed at supporting economic growth, improving transportation efficiency and ensuring safer travel for decades to come.
Originally reported by Governor New York Government.
